HIP HOP APPRECIATION WEEK.
The purpose of the 6th Annual Hiphop Appreciation Week (May 18th-25th, 2003) is to continue decriminalizing Hiphop's public image and promote the unity of Hiphop Kulture. Plans for the 6th Annual Hiphop Appreciation Week have already begun! All suggestions, endorsements and approvals for the 6th Annual Hiphop Appreciation Week events can be emailed to
[email protected].
This year our theme is responsibility. Lets us take time during this week to be conscious of how Hiphop looks and acts in society. There is no reason to sit around wondering what you can do to help promote or assist in the success of the 6th Annual Hiphop Appreciation Week (May 18th-25th 2003). The following is a definitive list of
activities and suggested projects for anyone with a sincere desire to get involved. Whether you are a Deejay, record label executive, journalist, parent, B-boy or girl, Graffiti Artist, Emcee, politician, radio personality/programmer, etc., you are listed below with helpful hints to make the 6th Annual Hiphop Appreciation Week 2003 a success!
If you need any assistance launching a Hiphop Appreciation Week event in your area please do not hesitate to reach out to us at
[email protected] or 877- 310-0396. It goes without saying; you should pass this information on to everyone you know who loves Hiphop!
Hiphoppas: Within the theme of responsibility, the Temple of Hiphop encourages Hiphoppas to do what they are supposed to do when they are supposed to do it. Be aware of those who depend upon you; and always be aware of how your performance affects others. The attuned Hiphoppa upholds an image of trustworthiness and can be depended upon. In all thoughts and actions, attuned Hiphoppas are responsible people. We do not unnecessarily break promises and/or commitments.
During this time, May 18th-25th 2003, Hiphoppas are encouraged to honor their ancestors, reflect upon their cultural contributions and appreciate the elements and principles of Hiphop Kulture.
Emcees Take time to write two conscious rhymes/songs this week that will uplift and inspire others to better themselves. Remain conscious and mindful of the power behind the words you speak and how they affect your life and your environment. Speak or perform publicly in a way that enhances the unity of Hiphop. Battling is prohibited this week.
Graffiti Artists Draw two socially conscious graf pieces this week in your artwork and/or draw a portrait of a true Hiphop pioneer. Take your Graf crew and visit a local school, prison or youth home to talk about the responsibilities of the Graffiti Artist and how Graffiti Art is not vandalism. Graffiti Artist can also design flyers for the 6th
Annual Hiphop Appreciation Week. Bombing and tagging is prohibited this week.
B-Boys/B-Girls Talk to everyone you know about Hiphop Appreciation Week. Take your crew and visit a youth center or local school to educate young Hiphoppas on the history of B-boys/B-girls and Hiphop Kulture. Display your Breakin, Poppin, Lockin and Uprockin dance moves publicly. Battling is prohibited this week.
Deejays Play more conscious Rap music classics. Showcase a specific artist that has influenced Hiphop Kulture. Give them public thanks. Include Hiphop Appreciation Week information in your mix. Play the Temple of Hiphop's public service announcements. Spread the word about Hiphop Appreciation Week. Battling is prohibited this week.
Radio Stations Upgrade your conscious Rap music programming. Have your mix show Deejays cut, scratch and play conscious Rap music classics. Have the visiting Rap artist do radio drops in celebration of Hiphop Appreciation Week with this year's theme of responsibility. You can also do interviews on the techniques of settling disputes, family planning and domestic relations. This week is a great time to memorialize those Hiphoppas that have passed away.
Television Stations Upgrade your conscious Rap video programming. Produce or re-air shows that explain the History of Hip-Hop. You can air the following movies/documentaries: Wild Style, Krush Groove, Scratch, Beat Street, Style Wars and/or Rhyme and Reason. You can also do interviews on responsibility and the meaning of commitment. You can also memorialize those Hiphoppas that have passed away.
Hiphop and Rap Publications In your June issue you can interview and/or honor Hiphop's originators and pioneers. You can publish articles on Hip Hop's history, meaning and purpose. It's been an estimated 33 years since the emergence of our modern Hiphop expressions and 23 years since the first major Rap recording. With this in mind, you can give thanks to Hiphop as a great inner-city strategy toward improved health, love, awareness and wealth.
Internet Subscribers and Hiphop websites Those that have legitimate Hiphop websites and would like to support Hiphop Appreciation Week may do so by posting this and other Hiphop appreciation Week information on their sites. Web links can be organized as well. Be creative!
Educators and Student Groups Hold discussions on the future of Hiphop, Hiphop's culture and Hiphop's expressions. You can also organize lectures on the preservation of Hiphop and its contribution to popular culture worldwide. A discussion on Hiphop's political potential can also be effective. Visit templeofhiphop.org for accurate and helpful
Hiphop lesson plans. The Temple of Hiphop has lecturers and Kultural Specialist that can accurately speak on the subject of Hiphop and its preservation. Elementary through High School students can do reports on issues such as Rap and its influence on youth, Graffiti Art vs. Vandalism, The responsibility of a Deejay, When I grow up I want to be a Rapper, Breaker, Graffiti artist, Deejay, etc. (and why) and How Hiphop has affected family life. They can also pledge, in their written essays, to take responsibility for how Hiphop shall grow and develop in their communities.
We also urge you to contact other Hiphop organizations such as Zulu Nation, The Rock Steady Crew, The TAT's Cru, The Rap Coalition, Rhythm Cultural Institute and others for more accurate and helpful Hiphop information.
News Media Print, video and/or audio formats can alert the public before, during and after Hiphop Appreciation Week on our theme of responsibility. Those journalist working in print media must remember to spell Hiphop beginning with a capital H-Hiphop or Hip Hop. Such a spelling is not only grammatically correct, (Hiphop is a proper noun) but all cultures and nations are spelled beginning with a capital letter. Such a spelling is simply a matter of respect. In addition to our main theme of responsibility, it is of great importance that you report the fact that Hiphop has taken an initiative to clean up its own act. Not that we are on a bash gangster Rap crusade, but that some of us have matured and would like to project a more responsible cultural image to the public. Phoners and in-person interviews can be scheduled at
[email protected]. Check templeofhiphop.org for scheduled press conferences.
